“Tess has a rich history as a diminutive of the name Theresa, which has Greek origins”
English origin · Girl name
♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls
#1760US 2023
117Births / yr
↑Rising
14.2kAll-time births
📅 Since 188900.03% of births at peak
How to pronounce Tess
TES
/ˈtɛs/ · stress on TES · 1 syllable
“Tess has a rich history as a diminutive of the name Theresa, which has Greek origins”
English origin · Girl name
What does Tess mean and where does it come from?
Tess has a rich history as a diminutive of the name Theresa, which has Greek origins. It gained popularity in literature, notably through Thomas Hardy's novel 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles'. The name has a timeless quality and remains popular in various forms in English-speaking countries.
Cultural significance
Tess has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Rising fast — up 136 spots — currently #1760 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1895–2023#1760 · Top 1.3%
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
Year
US Rank
Births
vs Prior Year
2023
#1760
117
▲ up 136 · +9% births
2022
#1896
107
▼ down 400 · -25% births
2021
#1496
142
▼ down 229 · -19% births
2020
#1267
175
▼ down 150 · -24% births
2015
#1117
229
▼ down 307 · -32% births
2010
#810
337
▼ down 197 · -27% births
2005
#613
461
▼ down 65 · -3% births
2000
#548
475
▼ down 1 · +9% births
1995
#547
435
▲ up 28 · +8% births
1990
#575
403
▲ up 201 · +85% births
1985
#776
218
▲ up 4495 · +1577% births
1980
#5271
13
▼ down 2804 · -59% births
1975
#2467
32
▼ down 1262 · -66% births
1970
#1205
94
▲ up 2219 · +571% births
1965
#3424
14
—
Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for Tess
1995Rank #547
475
#2076
↗Rising
1900 - 202327 years
The story of Tess
Tess has been a beloved American name for over 135 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1889. A total of 14,170 babies have received this name. Once ranked #1529 in 1895, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1760 in 2023.
Tess means "English" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Tess?
Tess is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Tess?
Tess originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Tess?
Tess is a one-syllable name pronounced T EH1 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Tess sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Tess flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Tess ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Sibling names that pair with Tess
For a sister
Tess & Emily♡
Tess & Ella♡
Tess & Bryson♡
Tess & Bailey♡
For a brother
Tess & Angel♡
Tess & Christian♡
Tess & Bryson♡
Tess & Bailey♡
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